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Weekend Grub: There's more to new Japanese restaurant Makotoya than sushi — and I'm delighted

Weekend Grub: There's more to new Japanese restaurant Makotoya than sushi — and I'm delighted

An organic Japanese cafe branching out from Tokyo? How could I resist?
Updated 05 Apr, 2019

Being a fan of Japanese cuisine, I've always been iffy about the options available in Karachi.

We don't really have many Japanese restaurants that serve more than the usual sushi and teppenyaki and there's so much more to the cuisine than that. Mind you, I love my sushi and teppenyaki but the country has the highest number of 3-starred Michelin restaurants in the world, it can't all be 'cos of two dishes.

I miss kamameshi, onigiri, tamagoyaki and so much more. When Makotoya claimed to be an organic Japanese cafe, branching out from Tokyo, I knew I'd be there with hopeful yet cynical expectations.

We met with owner Rie Mihara who revealed that her grandmother opened Makotoya in 1957. Mihara may have started the cafe now but has been working on Makotoya's second business: bringing Japanese skincare products to Pakistan.

Makotoya's focus is organic and healthy and Mihara san accomplishes this by curating her menu based on locally sourced ingredients. For ingredients that are uncommon in our region, she either makes them in-house or imports the specific ingredients from Japan, that too as a last resort.

Where to go

Makotoya is located at Main Bukhari commercial, in the same lane as Chai Wala and pan-Asian restaurant Market.

The restaurant has a minimalistic design, with a shelf dedicated to Makotoya's imported skin care products.

When to go

Makotoya is open from 1pm - 11pm.

What to order

While we did ask Rie Mihara for suggestions, there were items I noticed immediately and could not resist ordering such as the dashimaki-tamago and the chawan-mushi.

Peppered beef salad was so refreshing
Peppered beef salad was so refreshing

We started off with the peppered beef salad. I was concerned whether the pepper seasoning would make the beef feel heavy but the salad overall was surprisingly light. The thinly sliced beef was cooked well and the quinoa added a nice touch to the dish.

I wish there was more wasabi
I wish there was more wasabi

The wasabi and basil prawns, while cooked well, did need a touch more of wasabi. Now, I'm not saying the wasabi should be really strong but the basil flavour took over in the marinade and even the earthy flavour of mild wasabi was lost in the prawns.

I'm back in Japan!
I'm back in Japan!

The chawan-mushi won my heart and palate. The savoury egg based custard with prawn was warm and inviting and not only did it make me want winter back so I could enjoy it more, it tasted absolutely authentic. Also, to those afraid to try it out because savoury pudding sounds unconventional, you'll be glad you tried it. I do wish the serving was more generous, I'm all for portion control but I do want a better portion.

Hello Japanese rolled omelette
Hello Japanese rolled omelette

The dashimaki-tamago is a Japanese omelette, also known as rolled omelette. Makotoya's omelette is light, fluffy and perfectly seasoned. I wish Makotoya had more than one style of serving the tamago as it is listed in starters. Maybe add a few sides to it and serve as a complete breakfast option? I would be very happy with that.

The Maguro steak was a surprise hit
The Maguro steak was a surprise hit

The maguro - bluefin tuna - steak was a hit at the table. A light soy based marinade coated the evenly grilled fillets of tuna.

What we love about Makotoya's cuisine is how everything is filling but light. I didn't feel disgusted or heavy afterwards but I was satisfied, without being left hungry.

We love this very matcha
We love this very matcha

Mihara san suggested the matcha pudding for dessert and we couldn't resist. The pudding was served with a matcha glaze but what won me over was the addition of anko. Anko is a sweet paste made of azuki (red beans) and a flavour very common in Japan.

Damage on the pocket

Makotoya definitely feels steep with its price range varying from Rs380 - Rs1600 with the average dish costing Rs900. Keeping mind Makotoya's focus on health and high quality ingredients, I am willing to understand why the place is costly but I do think a 20% increase on their portions would make the place more approachable to those willing to try it out.

Comments

Ibrahim Apr 05, 2019 03:26pm
I hate Japanese food.
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N abidai Apr 05, 2019 07:02pm
Food laws are must, Pakistan food service industry should demand this,for the saftey of their customers! There should be no unsafe food being sold anywhere in Pakistan! This is the only way people will feel safe to go out to restaurants !
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fairplay Apr 05, 2019 07:45pm
Wouldn't one desire some nice sashimi, rather than deep fried food?
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fairplay Apr 05, 2019 08:01pm
@N abidai in general, Japanese food ingredients are the freshest and best. They import the best tuna, and even okra, eaten in a Japanese salad from 711, a convenience store, was fresh and tasty. Sashimi in Tokyo was the best I have eaten anywhere. While aginamoto, misnomer Chinese salt, is a Japanese product, I don't think most Japanese restaurants use it. National brand masalas use it a lot.
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A Punjabi Apr 05, 2019 09:15pm
@fairplay No... I prefer eating deep fried food now and regretting later.
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Kaifa Apr 05, 2019 11:14pm
Pakistanis could model themselves on everything about the Japanese- it would probably revolutionize everything in Pakistan -discipline, hard work, striving for the highest standards !
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Mk Apr 06, 2019 05:01am
@Ibrahim Yes securism also.
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M. Emad Apr 06, 2019 09:37pm
Japanese eat fish, Pakistanis prefer meat.
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Tim Apr 08, 2019 10:45am
Why is every restaurant review comments section at Images invaded by (1) snobs, (2) people who have no business reading and commenting on a cuisine since they hate it and (3) dietary crusaders? Chill out - food is food and restaurants are made to serve food, they have no duty to act as vanguards of consumer health.
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